The values we never voted on

By David Magson

Before a visa is granted, most applicants over 18 must sign a short declaration. It is called the Australian Values Statement, and it commits them to respect the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and association, the rule of law, parliamentary democracy, equality of opportunity, a “fair go”, and the English language as the national language.

I have no quarrel with any of it. That is rather the problem.

The statement was introduced in 2007. It was rewritten in 2020 to add an undertaking to make reasonable efforts to learn English. In September 2025 it was re-made again — this time the wording was left untouched and only the list of visa subclasses changed. Eighteen years, three instruments, and almost nothing has moved.

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